The Song family’s relatives were full of curiosity, all wondering who was so tactless as to cause trouble on someone’s wedding day.
In Zhong Jianguo’s eyes, Song Zhaodi was a straightforward and honest person.
To maintain her reputation, she answered truthfully when her relatives questioned her: “It was Wang Degui.” She turned to her student. “Wasn’t it?”
The young boy was impressed. “Teacher Song, you’re amazing. Are you going or not?”
“I’m going!” Song Zhaodi declared. “Otherwise, he might think I’m afraid of him. Zhong Jianguo, do you want to come with me?”
Zhong Jianguo was curious to see what kind of person Wang Degui was. However, if he accompanied her, it might look like he didn’t trust Song Zhaodi. So, he smiled and said, “You go ahead.”
“I’ll go with you, Zhaodi,” Liu Yang was worried that she might suffer a loss. He put down the thermos he had been using to serve tea to the guests and hurried over.
Song Zhaodi nodded. Led by her student, they soon spotted two men standing beside the school. The older one was about fifty, while the younger one looked to be around twenty.
“The old man is Wang Degui’s father,” Liu Yang explained, thinking Song Zhaodi wouldn’t recognise him since the original host had never met Wang Degui’s parents.
Hearing voices, the two men snapped their heads up.
“Zhaodi—”
“Stay here!” Father Wang grabbed Wang Degui. “Zhaodi, I heard you’re getting married today?”
Song Zhaodi stopped two metres away from Wang Degui. “Yes. Uncle Wang, would you like to come to our house for a drink?”
“No, no, I won’t be going.” The Song family had never explicitly refused the Wang family, yet Song Zhaodi had suddenly gotten married. Wang Degui was deeply shaken. Seeing his son so heartbroken, Father Wang resented the Song family for stringing him along.
The Wang family were ordinary workers; even if they were angry, there wasn’t much they could do to the Song family. So, Father Wang went to his brother for advice.
When Uncle Wang heard yesterday afternoon that Song Zhaodi was getting married today, he was also surprised. But since it wasn’t his son who had been rejected, he could analyse the situation objectively. He reasoned that the Song family hadn’t given a direct rejection because they were trying to save face for the Wang family.
Father Wang might have listened to this reasoning before, but now that he saw his son devastated to the point of tears, he refused to hear any explanation.
Uncle Wang only had one brother and one nephew. Seeing them both furious and heartbroken, he promised to investigate the man Song Zhaodi was marrying—to see if his background had any issues.
After some careful inquiries, he found nothing about the Zhong family since they were in Binhai City. However, he did learn that Zhong Jianguo was a university graduate and a regiment commander. There’s a saying: “A mighty dragon cannot crush a local snake”—but that only applied if the snake was strong.
Uncle Wang wasn’t strong and the East Sea Fleet was far away. He didn’t dare offend Commander Zhong.
In the end, Uncle Wang advised his brother and nephew not to stir up trouble and to pretend they knew nothing.
Faced with overwhelming odds, Father Wang gave up on his plan. Upon learning that Zhong Jianguo was far superior to him, Wang Degui slumped back home. He spent the whole night tossing and turning, unable to sleep. By morning, he had made up his mind—he had to see Song Zhaodi one last time.
When Song Zhaodi saw the dark circles under Wang Degui’s eyes, she couldn’t help but sigh. “Comrade Wang, what exactly do you like about me?”
“Zhaodi, don’t talk nonsense,” Liu Yang warned.
Song Zhaodi turned to Wang Degui. “Can’t think of anything?”
“You… you’re a university student, literate, capable of hard work and you look good,” Wang Degui said with hopeful eyes. “Zhaodi, I truly like you. Don’t marry Zhong Jianguo—he won’t treat you well.”
Song Zhaodi chuckled. “Wang Degui, everything you just listed also applies to the female educated youths who came to our village.”
Father Wang’s eyes lit up. Song Zhaodi’s heart skipped a beat and she quickly added, “But they will all return to the city in the future.”
“You’re still thinking about returning to the city?” Wang Degui frowned. “The government sent educated youths to the countryside—you won’t be able to go back.”
Song Zhaodi replied, “The government sent educated youths to the countryside for training. But if they weren’t allowed to return, who would take over factory jobs when the workers in the cities retired? When high-ranking officials’ secretaries grew old, who would organise their files? Who would answer their phones?”
Wang Degui was left speechless.
Song Zhaodi hadn’t intended to say so much. She was afraid that Father Wang might end up marrying his son to a female educated youth, only to have her leave when the college entrance exams resumed. “The training period might last five or six years, maybe seven or eight. But I think it won’t exceed ten years at most.”
“Is what you said true?!”
Song Zhaodi jumped in fright. Liu Yang instinctively stretched out his arm to shield her. The Wang father and son swiftly turned their heads.
“Who are you?” Wang Degui asked.
Song Zhaodi recognised the newcomer. “She’s one of the female educated youths in our village.” She pointed at the woman beside her. “She’s also a university student. She’s prettier than me and has fairer skin. Wang Degui, what do you think of her?”
Wang Degui glanced at her instinctively. It was as if he were seeing a version of Song Zhaodi from over a year ago—just back from the city, fair-skinned and exuding an air of scholarly refinement.
“She’s nice, isn’t she?” Song Zhaodi affirmed. “And when schools reopen, she’ll return to the city.”
The female youth nodded, confirming Song Zhaodi’s words. Then she asked, “Comrade, is what you said just now true?”
“When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility upon a person, it must first distress their mind, exhaust their muscles, starve their body and leave them in poverty.” Song Zhaodi said, “This sounds familiar, doesn’t it?”
Wang Degui shook his head, about to deny it, when he saw the two female educated youth nodding vigorously.
“We understand! We definitely won’t let the leader down. Comrade Song, thank you for speaking to the village chief and arranging for us to teach at the primary school.”
“No need to thank me. I know you have great knowledge,” Song Zhaodi replied. “The leader believes that once you’ve undergone enough training, you’ll be allowed to return. Even if he thinks you need more time, the factory workers who are literate and skilled will eventually age and they’ll have to call you back to take over. The future belongs to us young people.”
The female educated youth had arrived in the countryside full of enthusiasm, determined to contribute to rural development. However, they soon realised the stark contrast between village life and the city—open-air latrines, using leaves instead of toilet paper—after just a week in Xiao Song Village, they longed to go back.
Since they had come voluntarily and there had been no official notice from the authorities, the village didn’t dare let them leave. Without permission from the village and an introduction letter, they couldn’t even stay at a county guesthouse.
With no choice, the educated youth continued working with the villagers—cutting grass in the mountains, fishing in the sea.
Yesterday, the village chief visited their quarters to talk to them and invited them to teach at the primary school. The educated youth were both surprised and delighted, shouting excitedly and repeatedly thanking him.
The village chief believed that since Zhong Jianguo had already become a regiment commander at such a young age, he had a bright future ahead. Out of respect for Zhong Jianguo, he told the educated youth that it was Song Zhaodi’s idea. If they wanted to thank someone, they should thank her.
Since they had not received an invitation from the Song family, they felt embarrassed to visit and congratulate her. Now that they no longer had to toil in the fields and mountains, they spent their free time at the village primary school.
Hearing the name ‘Zhaodi’, a female youth volunteer who had been sweeping the yard thought she had misheard. She stepped outside and, upon seeing Song Zhaodi, was about to thank her but stopped upon hearing the word ‘return to the city’—everything else was momentarily forgotten.
With just a few words, Song Zhaodi rekindled the fighting spirit of the two female educated youth.
A volunteer who had not yet graduated from high school spoke up: “Comrade Song is absolutely right. The future belongs to young people. Comrade Song, you’re the one with true knowledge. I’m not as capable as you. When the college entrance exams resume, I’ll take the test for Binhai Normal University.”
“It’s great that you have this determination,” Song Zhaodi said. “The village chief is having a meal at my house. I’ll talk to him later about finding some books from the town or county for you to study. Once you’ve learned them, don’t forget to teach the children in our village.”
The two volunteers were overjoyed and said in unison, “Thank you, Comrade Song Zhaodi! We won’t forget!”
Hearing the word ‘comrade’ made Song Zhaodi feel awkward. If she rejected the title, she would seem out of place. Holding back the urge to shudder, she smiled and said, “No need to be so polite. Wang Degui, is there anything else? If not, I’ll be heading back.”
Wang Degui had spoken to Song Zhaodi a few times before. Even though he knew she was a university student, he hadn’t thought the gap between them was that significant. However, after listening to her speak at length, he only managed to catch the phrase ‘distress their mind’. Meanwhile, the two female educated youth not only heard everything clearly but also understood it. No matter how much he denied it, the difference between him and Song Zhaodi was undeniable.
“You… you can go,” Wang Degui said, his expression complex. “If that Zhong Jianguo ever treats you badly, tell me. I’ll go and beat him up.”
Liu Yang frowned. “With me around, there’s no need for you to step in. Uncle Wang, we’re heading back now.”
“Go on,” Wang Degui’s father had also noticed the gap between his son and Song Zhaodi. Facing the curious gazes of the two female educated youth, his face turned slightly red. “Sorry for making a fool of ourselves.”
The female educated youth waved their hands dismissively. The university-educated volunteer said, “Uncle, Comrade Song Zhaodi said that the country will depend on us in the future. I believe she’s right. If your son truly admires educated women, it’s not too late for him to start studying now.”
“Really?” Wang Degui’s father had always envied his younger brother, who worked in town. Now that he was getting older, he had placed all his hopes on his son. But since he only had one child, he couldn’t bear to scold or discipline him. “Degui, did you hear what this comrade said? Start studying seriously from now on and maybe one day you’ll get to see Zhaodi again.”
Wang Degui was sceptical. “Really?”
“When the college entrance exams resume, you can apply for Binhai Ocean University and get assigned to the military. You’ll definitely see Comrade Song Zhaodi then,” the female youth volunteer said, feeling a bit sorry for him. “If you don’t understand something, you can come to the school and ask us.”
Wang Degui’s father was overjoyed. “Thank you, comrades! If you ever encounter any difficulties in the future, you can come find me in town. I may not be much, but my younger brother is quite capable.”
“Zhaodi, what are they talking about?” Liu Yang glanced back and saw Wang Degui chatting enthusiastically with the two female educated youth. “They’re not planning to cause trouble for our family, are they?”
Song Zhaodi replied, “They wouldn’t dare. Jiefu, my eldest nephew will be old enough for first grade next year. You and dajie need to take it seriously. Remember this—knowledge changes destiny.”
“Dad also said that,” Liu Yang noted. “I’ll go find another bicycle so I can take you and Jianguo to the county this afternoon.”
“Thank you, jiefu,” Song Zhaodi said.
“We’re family, no need to be so formal,” Liu Yang replied. He watched as Song Zhaodi reached the doorstep of her home. Seeing that no one from the Wang family was following, he then went to borrow a bicycle.
Around one in the afternoon, after the relatives had finished their meal and left and the neighbours had helped tidy up the tables, Song Zhaodi returned to her room and began unpacking the luggage that Mother Song had packed for her.
Zhong Jianguo followed her in and, noticing her actions, asked curiously, “What are you doing? We’re leaving soon.”
Song Zhaodi rummaged through her belongings and finally found a stack of money hidden inside a pair of socks that the original owner had been reluctant to wear.
Zhong Jianguo’s eyes widened. “This… this is the money I gave Auntie? How did it end up with you?”
“My mother must have secretly put it in,” Song Zhaodi explained. Mother Song had wanted to give Zhong Jianguo a hundred yuan, but he had refused to accept it, so she had not mentioned it again. Song Zhaodi found it odd. Mother Song had been so frugal that even the fabric she bought wasn’t of good quality, yet this large sum of money… Knowing her nature, she would have at least set aside a portion for Song Zhaodi.
“You keep watch outside and make sure no one comes in,” she instructed. “I’ll put the money back in Mother Song’s bedding.”
Zhong Jianguo nodded and stood guard at the doorway of the main hall. Song Zhaodi quickly ran from the west room to the east room, then swiftly packed her belongings again before asking Zhong Jianguo, “You don’t blame me, do you?”
“That money was meant for the two elders to use in the first place.” Zhong Jianguo picked up the burlap sack. “Go and say goodbye to your mother and father, then we’ll be off.”
Song Zhaodi sighed. “You go and wait at the gate first. My mother and father can’t bear to see me go, they’ll definitely cry. If you stand nearby, they’ll feel embarrassed.”
The fact that Mother Song had secretly stuffed money into Song Zhaodi’s luggage made Zhong Jianguo realise once again how much his mother-in-law truly doted on her daughter. He had no doubts about what Song Zhaodi said and simply went to wait for her at the gate.
About ten minutes later, Song Zhaodi emerged from the courtyard.
Zhong Jianguo turned to look. Behind Song Zhaodi stood only Song dajie—Yang shi, Mother Song and Father Song had not come out. Song Zhaodi’s eyes were red and realising that she had cried and was probably feeling quite low, he chose to stay silent. He took the large bag Song Zhaodi was carrying and placed it on the front rack of his bicycle before saying, “Get on.”
Xiao Song Village had a tractor, which belonged to the production brigade. Father Song had wanted to ask the village head to lend them the vehicle, but Zhong Jianguo stopped him. Instead, he cycled with Song Zhaodi on his bike, while Liu Yang carried Song dajie on his. On their return journey, Liu Yang and Song dajie would each ride their own bicycle.
The county town was more than thirty miles away from Xiao Song Village. The four of them hurried to the county just in time to catch the last bus to Binhai City. Song dajie only said one sentence to Zhong Jianguo—“Take good care of my meimei”—before the bus drove away.
On the way back, Song dajie sighed repeatedly. Meanwhile, Song Zhaodi was brimming with excitement.
Zhong Jianguo noticed how Song Zhaodi kept looking out of the window, her eyes darting about as if she couldn’t take in enough of the sights. He assumed the farthest she had ever been was the county town and that she was curious about everything outside. “On our way back, we’ll transfer to a ship at Shencheng.”
“Shencheng? I’ve heard it’s really beautiful.” Song Zhaodi’s eyes lit up. “Can we stay in Shencheng for half a day before we leave?”
Zhong Jianguo shook his head. “No. When I have time in the future, I’ll take you on a proper trip to Shencheng.”
“Then can I buy a few things there?” Song Zhaodi looked at him expectantly, her eyes full of hope. “I won’t buy anything expensive, I just want to get a few things from Shencheng.”
Zhong Jianguo was about to refuse, but then he glanced at Song Zhaodi’s green outfit and remembered how she deliberately claimed to like cheap clothes just to save money. He couldn’t help but nod. “Just make sure you go quickly and come back fast—the ship won’t wait.”
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